Nevada with Kids

1. Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary

The Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on 38 acres north of Reno Nevada and is primarily home to predators native to North America, however, a few more exotic species of animals call the sanctuary home as well. Animal Ark teaches visitors of all ages about wildlife and ecological principles through educational tours and special programming events, and takes great care to create each animal enclosure with native vegetation, boulders, and trees that stimulate a natural habitat. The animals here are non-releasable wildlife, with many who had been abandoned or injured.

1265 Deerlodge Rd, Reno, NV 89508, Phone: 775-970-3111

2. Belmont Ghost Town

Just like several other historic cities within the state, the once bustling city of Belmont Ghost Town has now become one of the more iconic ghost towns of Nevada. Several minerals were found nearby after a silver strike during 1865, and as this boom continued, a number of prospectors hungry for gold flocked to Belmont.

The remains of this once grand city are located north of Tonopah and include only a couple of open businesses. Visitors can explore the over 150-year-old buildings, old mill sites and miner cabins, as well as the Monitor-Belmont Mill, including its still remaining towering chimney.

SR 82, Belmont, NV 89022, Phone: 775-687-3001

3. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park includes a town dating back to the 1890’s, preserved in an arrested decay state. An authentic Nevada ghost town, several of the original buildings of Berlin still remain.

Trails take visitors through the town and share the town’s story. This unique state park also features the largest concentration of Ichthyosaur remains.

This ancient marine reptile swam the waters that once covered the central part of the state more than 225 million years ago. Protected fossils are displayed inside the Fossil House. Other activities at the park include picnicking, hiking, and both tent and RV camping.

State Route 844, Austin, NV 89310, Phone: 775-964-2440

4. Big Bend of the Colorado Recreation Area

The Big Bend of the Colorado Recreation Area is located at the southern tip of the Colorado River in Nevada and encompasses around two miles of the river’s sandy shoreline.

The water here is cool and clear year-round due to the grounds being located downstream from the Davis Dam.

Activities popular in the Big Bend of the Colorado Recreation Area include birdwatching, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping. The wide variety of shore birds and waterfowl that call the park home include geese, herons, coots, and mallards. Visitors may also spot owls, roadrunners, hawks, and other wildlife.

4220 Needles Hwy, Laughlin, NV 89209, Phone: 702-298-1859

5. Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum

The Boulder City -Hoover Dam Museum highlights the story of the Hoover Dam, which is just as impressive today as it was when it was built back in the 1930’s. Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum explores the stories of the brave people who dealt with the isolation of the southern Nevada desert, undeveloped back then, in order to construct the massive dam.

Inside the museum, visitors will find a number of three-dimensional, interactive displays and exhibits describing both the actual dam construction and the social and economic forces that surrounded the 1929 stock market, along with the following Great Depression.

1305 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV 89005, Phone: 702-294-1988

6. Cowboy Trail Rides Inc

Cowboy Trail Rides Inc is a professional, family-owned and operated horseback company located in the scenic Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just minutes away from the busy, light-filled Las Vegas Strip. The company offers several different options for trail rides that range from one hour to five hours and provides a great outdoor activity for families with kids over six years old.

The Coyote Canyon Ride in particular is great for families looking for a short, fun ride through the desert, taking guests past ground squirrels, quail, and adorable cottontails, as well as through unique Joshua Trees and prickly cactus. y trips from Las Vegas

4053 Fossil Ridge Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89161, Phone: 702-387-2457

7. Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park

The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is one of the first ranches of the state of Nevada, and unless it’s closed for an event, the park is open to the public every day of the week during daylight hours.

There a number of historic buildings throughout the grounds that visitors can explore when they are staffed, which is generally Wednesday to Sunday.

Visitors to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park who would like a guided tour of the historic Dangberg Ranch can make a reservation year-round, and the grounds also host special events and activities from May to December.

1450 Highway 88, Minden, NV 89423, Phone: 775-783-9417

8. Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

One of the world’s first planetariums to project full-dome movies, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center in Reno sees as many as fifty thousand visitors every year who come to experience the fascinating wonders of the universe.

Operated by the University of Nevada, the Fleischmann Planetarium is open daily to the general public, offering digital planetarium shows inside of its dome theater every day, as well as observatory viewing at the university’s Redfield Campus.

There is also an Exhibit Hall featuring a variety of immersive permanent exhibits and interactive, hands-on changing displays, further extending the planetarium experience for visitors.

1664 N. Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, Phone: 775-784-4812

9. Lake Mead Cruises

Aboard the famed Desert Princess, Lake Mead Cruises takes passengers on a relaxing cruise along the blue, clear waters of the picturesque Lake Mead, just minutes away from the lights of Las Vegas, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Guests can also tour the impressive Hoover Dam, an authentic Mississippi-style, three-level paddlewheeler that provides a spectacular sightseeing experience. Lake Mead Cruises offer a number of different tours for visitors and locals alike to choose from, including the Mid-Day Sightseeing Cruise, the Champagne Brunch Cruise, and the evening Dinner Cruise. Each of these tours lasts somewhere between ninety minutes and two hours.

490 Horsepower Cove, Boulder City, NV 89005, Phone: 866-292-9191